This Is How Long You Can Safely Keep Food in Your Fridge

When it comes to kitchen organization, there are two kinds of people in this world: those who keep their fridges tightly edited and do a thorough inventory before any item goes off, and people who treat their cooler like a spare drawer, storing half-empty soda bottles, weeks-old takeout, and strange condiments that have become a cooking time capsule. Which side are you on?

If you've ever stared blankly into the abyss of your refrigerator and pondered whether it's safe to keep or toss the contents, we've got the answer. Food expiration guidelines can be a minefield, so we've trawled through information provided by the leading authorities, including USDA, food manufacturers, and research centers, to pull the only information you need to know when editing the contents of your fridge.

Print or pin this checklist, and keep it handy. Here's how long you can keep the items in your fridge (without judgement)…

PHOTO:

Original Illustration by Stephanie DeAngelis

Looking to prolong the life of your food? Shop these items to keep them fresh and organized: